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Swamp Ghosts: Riverbend Book 1
Marcia Meara, author of the popular Wake-Robin Ridge books, sets her second series in the sleepy little town of Riverbend, Florida, where the hungry creatures swimming in the dark waters of the St. Johns River aren’t nearly as dangerous as those walking along the quiet neighborhood streets. Wildlife photographer Gunnar Wolfe looked like the kind of guy every man wanted to be and every woman just plain wanted, and the St. Johns River of central Florida drew him like a magnet. EcoTour boat owner Maggie Devlin knew all the river's secrets, including the deadliest ones found in the swamps. But neither Maggie nor Gunn was prepared for the danger that would come after them on two legs. On a quest to make history photographing the rarest birds of them all, Gunnar hires the fiery, no-nonsense Maggie to canoe him into the most remote wetland areas in the state. He was unprepared for how much he would enjoy both the trips and Maggie’s company. He soon realizes he wants more than she’s able to give, but before he can win her over, they make a grisly discovery that changes everything, and turns the quiet little town of Riverbend upside down. A serial killer is on the prowl among them.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2014
11 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Meara
14 books58 followersMarcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years and four big cats.
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she's good with that.
Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it's never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?
CONTACT MARCIA HERE:
The Write Stuff: http://marciamearawrites.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara...
Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara
Twitter: @marciameara
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marciameara/
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MARCIA'S BOOKS:
Wake-Robin Ridge
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
Swamp Ghosts: A Riverbend Novel
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3
The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3: Love Hurts
The Emissary Trilogy
Summer Magic: Poems of Life & Love
When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she's good with that.
Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it's never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?
CONTACT MARCIA HERE:
The Write Stuff: http://marciamearawrites.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara...
Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara
Twitter: @marciameara
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marciameara/
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MARCIA'S BOOKS:
Wake-Robin Ridge
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3
Swamp Ghosts: A Riverbend Novel
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3
The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3: Love Hurts
The Emissary Trilogy
Summer Magic: Poems of Life & Love
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 19, 2017
I listened to the audio book of Swamp Ghosts and I really enjoyed both the book and the narrator. The narrator's voice perfectly complimented the story and really added to my enjoyment of this book.
Maggie Devlin is a beautiful but conflicted woman with a past. She has lived alone, providing for herself by running ecotours from her boat, for a long time. She is independent and she doesn't get involved with men, particularly men who either work for her or who she works for. That is until Gunnar Wolfe comes into her life. Gunnar is a wildlife photographer who is looking for someone to help him in his search for a very rare bird that he is desperate to photograph. This will put Gunnar's photography on the map. Maggie desperately needs the money that Gunnar is willing to pay and she soon finds herself teaching Gunnar how to paddle a canoe so that they can tour the river in search of this elusive bird.
Swamp Ghosts is a lovely story of a scarred woman's journey to finding love and faith but this romantic theme is woven between the excitement and horror of a terrible discovery by Maggie and Gunnar in the waters of a secluded part of the river. The pair soon find out that there is a serial killer on the loose in Riverbend and their idyllic trust is about to be challenged.
I thought this was rather a unique read with two such strong threads, one a romance and the other a series of murders, running through it. The author did a marvelous job of keeping the me on the edge of my seat throughout this book and also tied up all the loose ends beautifully at the end.
Maggie Devlin is a beautiful but conflicted woman with a past. She has lived alone, providing for herself by running ecotours from her boat, for a long time. She is independent and she doesn't get involved with men, particularly men who either work for her or who she works for. That is until Gunnar Wolfe comes into her life. Gunnar is a wildlife photographer who is looking for someone to help him in his search for a very rare bird that he is desperate to photograph. This will put Gunnar's photography on the map. Maggie desperately needs the money that Gunnar is willing to pay and she soon finds herself teaching Gunnar how to paddle a canoe so that they can tour the river in search of this elusive bird.
Swamp Ghosts is a lovely story of a scarred woman's journey to finding love and faith but this romantic theme is woven between the excitement and horror of a terrible discovery by Maggie and Gunnar in the waters of a secluded part of the river. The pair soon find out that there is a serial killer on the loose in Riverbend and their idyllic trust is about to be challenged.
I thought this was rather a unique read with two such strong threads, one a romance and the other a series of murders, running through it. The author did a marvelous job of keeping the me on the edge of my seat throughout this book and also tied up all the loose ends beautifully at the end.
May 1, 2015
Swamp Ghosts is a delicious romantic suspense set in Florida. I devoured this book in an afternoon and with nearly 400 pages that's a pretty good afternoon's read. It was well paced with great characters and I lost myself in the storyline. I was out there in the St John's River basin spotting the wildlife and wanting a snack at the crab shack too.
Maggie Devlin in a 32 year old eco tour boat owner. It's a small business with plenty of costs and she's wondering just how to pay all the bills. Gunnar Wolfe is a wildlife photographer, built like a Viking he has stunning features which make him popular amongst the local females.
Gunnar's not at home on the water, but he asks Maggie if she'll take him out into Florida's waterways to capture some of the rare flora and fauna. Determined to keep this all a business relationship feisty Maggie can't turn down the money Gunnar offers to pay her, but soon they discover one too many of the swamp secrets.
Rumours of a serial killer put fear in to the locals and when Maggie and Gunn become his next targets, they find themselves up close and personal with some serious Florida species.
I liked the fact I was kept guessing who the serial killer could be, and the suspense was edgy and well thought out. Within the storyline there were several other great sub-characters which I liked and am ready to read more about, hopefully in the next book in the series.
Maggie Devlin in a 32 year old eco tour boat owner. It's a small business with plenty of costs and she's wondering just how to pay all the bills. Gunnar Wolfe is a wildlife photographer, built like a Viking he has stunning features which make him popular amongst the local females.
Gunnar's not at home on the water, but he asks Maggie if she'll take him out into Florida's waterways to capture some of the rare flora and fauna. Determined to keep this all a business relationship feisty Maggie can't turn down the money Gunnar offers to pay her, but soon they discover one too many of the swamp secrets.
Rumours of a serial killer put fear in to the locals and when Maggie and Gunn become his next targets, they find themselves up close and personal with some serious Florida species.
I liked the fact I was kept guessing who the serial killer could be, and the suspense was edgy and well thought out. Within the storyline there were several other great sub-characters which I liked and am ready to read more about, hopefully in the next book in the series.
December 3, 2015
4.5 stars
Maggie Devlin, after a horrendous and violent marriage, has been happily single for the last eight years. She owns and skippers an eco tour boat, the Undine, taking tourists out on the St John’s River and into the Florida swamps, to check out the varied plant and animal life. Along with the boat, her father left her a battered old truck and his heavily mortgaged house. The business is virtually bankrupt and that’s why, when local photographer, Gunnar Wolfe, shows up at the quay one day wanting to hire Maggie as his guide, against her better judgement, she accepts.
Gunn’s passion is wildlife photography and his dream is to find and photograph the rarest of creatures. The ones people don’t generally see. The ones that might snag him the cover of National Geographic. To do that he knows a canoe would have to be the mode of travel, but he also knows he would never be able to navigate the tributaries and waterways off the river. He would need a guide. There was only one problem. Gunn had never been in a canoe before, being on the water is completely out of his comfort zone and a daunting prospect.
The prologue sets up the chilling and disturbing mystery/suspense aspect of the story, and I like how I was lead one way only to feel uncertain the more the story progressed. And yes, I was completely wrong. The narrative switches from Maggie’s first person point of view to other third person perspectives throughout, which is different but works well.
A great cast of characters which include Maggie and Gunn, easy to picture and like, as is Willow, Maggie’s best friend. Maggie, strong and independent, not needing or looking for romance. After the horror that was her marriage she is rebuilding her life and is content with her best friends and going home to Bogey, her Quaker parrot. Gunn, an easy-going, decent man who loves his work and hasn’t yet found the woman of his dreams. Lester, the strange loner with the hobby which is the stuff of nightmares – for me anyway. And Billy, the boyish charmer, first mate on the Undine.
The scenery is described in beautiful and vivid detail and really gives a feel for the area. Suspense and tension are built gradually after a grisly find by Maggie and Gunnar lead to more discoveries, and the realisation there is a serial killer on the loose in Riverbend. The romance didn’t overwhelm the story and there’s a great twist at the end.
Maggie Devlin, after a horrendous and violent marriage, has been happily single for the last eight years. She owns and skippers an eco tour boat, the Undine, taking tourists out on the St John’s River and into the Florida swamps, to check out the varied plant and animal life. Along with the boat, her father left her a battered old truck and his heavily mortgaged house. The business is virtually bankrupt and that’s why, when local photographer, Gunnar Wolfe, shows up at the quay one day wanting to hire Maggie as his guide, against her better judgement, she accepts.
Gunn’s passion is wildlife photography and his dream is to find and photograph the rarest of creatures. The ones people don’t generally see. The ones that might snag him the cover of National Geographic. To do that he knows a canoe would have to be the mode of travel, but he also knows he would never be able to navigate the tributaries and waterways off the river. He would need a guide. There was only one problem. Gunn had never been in a canoe before, being on the water is completely out of his comfort zone and a daunting prospect.
The prologue sets up the chilling and disturbing mystery/suspense aspect of the story, and I like how I was lead one way only to feel uncertain the more the story progressed. And yes, I was completely wrong. The narrative switches from Maggie’s first person point of view to other third person perspectives throughout, which is different but works well.
A great cast of characters which include Maggie and Gunn, easy to picture and like, as is Willow, Maggie’s best friend. Maggie, strong and independent, not needing or looking for romance. After the horror that was her marriage she is rebuilding her life and is content with her best friends and going home to Bogey, her Quaker parrot. Gunn, an easy-going, decent man who loves his work and hasn’t yet found the woman of his dreams. Lester, the strange loner with the hobby which is the stuff of nightmares – for me anyway. And Billy, the boyish charmer, first mate on the Undine.
The scenery is described in beautiful and vivid detail and really gives a feel for the area. Suspense and tension are built gradually after a grisly find by Maggie and Gunnar lead to more discoveries, and the realisation there is a serial killer on the loose in Riverbend. The romance didn’t overwhelm the story and there’s a great twist at the end.
June 13, 2017
I used to read Anne Rivers Siddons books because I loved her descriptions of the Carolinas. More recently, I became interested in the works of author P. C. Zick because she also has a knack for describing nature’s beauty—in her case, Florida. I was delighted to find yet another author to take a stab at such vibrant scenery, and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. Marcia Meara’s novel, SWAMP GHOSTS: Riverbend Book 1, is a portrait of the beauty of the Florida wild.
It doesn’t hurt that her characters are three-dimensional, her pacing is thrilling, and her plot completely engrossing.
SWAMP GHOSTS introduces us to Maggie, a tough lady who has shut herself off from love because of a painful past. Watching her heart thaw under the ever-present attention of her “Viking” client was a true joy. These two characters are perfectly suited for each other—one’s temper complements the other’s calm; one’s stubbornness is a foil for the other’s determination. The cast of supporting characters is equally interesting and compelling. The descriptions of these people are only paralleled by the descriptions of nature itself. I felt the humidity; I smelled the brackish swamp; I heard the buzzing of insects and the lapping of water on the shore.
I prefer character-driven fiction, and this story truly moved along due to the carefully-crafted characters in the book. But on top of that was a fascinating mystery, the clues to which are revealed at just the proper pace to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t. When all is revealed, it’s a satisfying revelation. And then the mind games and action kick up another notch!
I very much enjoyed the resolution of this novel, and the information in the afterward about Florida wildlife was truly the cherry on top of a delicious novel-cake. I’m looking forward to the next book and recommend this one without reservation.
It doesn’t hurt that her characters are three-dimensional, her pacing is thrilling, and her plot completely engrossing.
SWAMP GHOSTS introduces us to Maggie, a tough lady who has shut herself off from love because of a painful past. Watching her heart thaw under the ever-present attention of her “Viking” client was a true joy. These two characters are perfectly suited for each other—one’s temper complements the other’s calm; one’s stubbornness is a foil for the other’s determination. The cast of supporting characters is equally interesting and compelling. The descriptions of these people are only paralleled by the descriptions of nature itself. I felt the humidity; I smelled the brackish swamp; I heard the buzzing of insects and the lapping of water on the shore.
I prefer character-driven fiction, and this story truly moved along due to the carefully-crafted characters in the book. But on top of that was a fascinating mystery, the clues to which are revealed at just the proper pace to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t. When all is revealed, it’s a satisfying revelation. And then the mind games and action kick up another notch!
I very much enjoyed the resolution of this novel, and the information in the afterward about Florida wildlife was truly the cherry on top of a delicious novel-cake. I’m looking forward to the next book and recommend this one without reservation.
April 30, 2021
I’ve read the Wake-Robin and Emissary Series by Ms. Meara, so I was eager to jump into this story. This was a romantic thriller with some added mystery that I couldn’t put down. I loved the developing relationship between Maggie and Gunn. Their exploring Florida’s wilderness in search of a believed extinct bird was one of my favorite parts. Showing Maggie opening up was handled well and believable, even at the fast pace, it happened. A serial killer is thrown in along with a misunderstood man. I guessed who the killer was, but I still enjoyed the characters figuring it out. I loved the pets and their names in this story, including Gunn’s cat, Maggie’s bird, and Lester’s array of reptiles. It added that extra layer to the story. Maggie’s best friend is someone I’d like to know and have on my side. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
September 23, 2018
This was a book club read chosen by a member of our group. It’s very light reading, has a predictable plot, and has a too-obvious villain. I’m in the minority, I’m sure, but this isn’t my kind of read. If you like “chick-lit” and “beach reads,” then give this one a try.
September 17, 2018
I was intrigued by this book because of the locale. I live in central Florida, and the mystery was amusing at first but I found it just too romantic and unrealistic. Sadly, I figured out the monster too quickly..
February 12, 2019
I was invited to read this book by my new neighborhood bookclub!! The book takes place in the swamp land north of Orlando! Just south of The Villages!! The serial killer made me double check my locks and not answer my doorbell one night at 9:30 p.m.!!! Not necessarily my go to genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and am looking forward to my first book club in my new neighborhood. Get this: we are going on an Eco Tour of the St. John's river and meeting the author. How cool or scary is that? Gotta keep telling myself, this book was a very good complete work of fiction!! ;)
February 5, 2017
Mystery, romance, murder—this book has it all, including an up close look at Florida river wildlife. The chemistry between lead characters Maggie Devlin and Gunnar Wolfe delivers from the moment they meet straight through to the conclusion. Maggie captains an ecotour boat and Gunn is a studio photographer with a side interest in wildlife. It’s that interest that initially puts them in contact as Maggie guides Gunn through the backways of secluded swamps for an Ivory-billed woodpecker. What they stumble over in the process marks them as targets for a serial killer.
Well written and delivered, Swamp Ghosts mixes beautifully written descriptive passages with romance and a nail-biting suspense. I enjoyed the small town setting and seeing the river scenery unfold. The author also created a nice assortment of secondary characters. I think my favorite descriptions where of Lester’s “babies” (you’ve got to read the book to learn more)—and I loved his attachment to Big Blue.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Riverbend books.
Well written and delivered, Swamp Ghosts mixes beautifully written descriptive passages with romance and a nail-biting suspense. I enjoyed the small town setting and seeing the river scenery unfold. The author also created a nice assortment of secondary characters. I think my favorite descriptions where of Lester’s “babies” (you’ve got to read the book to learn more)—and I loved his attachment to Big Blue.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Riverbend books.
July 5, 2014
Swamp Ghosts is a novel that manages to combine romance, a murder mystery, and wonderfully descriptive passages of the animals, flora, and fauna of the St. John’s River. Quite a tall order, but I think on the whole Marcia Meara pulls it off very well. I enjoyed the interplay between the lightness of the two main protagonist’s developing love, and the darkness that lies hidden within a murderer’s heart. The killer’s portrait is chillingly believable and at times makes you gasp, wince and reflect. So even though Marcia Meara is an older lady , she sure doesn’t write like one! She crafts a story-line with a heck of a punch. So beware!
Having said that, Maggie and Gunnar fall in love very quickly. This seems somewhat at odds with Maggie’s inability to trust. Personally I would have liked to see the love interest develop a little more slowly. Though Marcia does a great job depicting Maggie and Gunnar’s enthusiasm for each other in the bedroom department! Wonderfully sensual, without being overtly erotic.
Swamp Ghosts is an absorbing, and at times disturbing read. There is an underlying sense of uncertainty that threads throughout the novel, twisting and turning like the St. John’s River itself. Is Maggie safe with this stranger, even if he looks like a Viking, in a canoe down the St. John’s river? Will Maggie ever be able trust anyone ever again, after all that has happened to her in her past? Will Maggie lay her soul bare to Gunn? Will Gunn be able to cope with Maggie’s insecurities? Will they find what they are looking for? Or will they find something so disturbing that they wished they had never gone? This list could just go on and on ……………
Temptation lurks at every corner, and both the innocent and the guilty can’t help but give into their differing temptations. Maggie is tempted by Gunn’s perfection. He has the physique of a Viking. Yet he never works out, he is naturally a hunk! The killer kills once and he gives into temptation to kill again.
This is not a novel that concentrates on a single point of view. Instead we see into the minds of several of the protagonists that are central to the plot.
Lester is chillingly portrayed in short punchy chapters, and believe me this works well. This weird guy who lives with a whole host of albino reptiles has many facets to his personality. He may be one of society’s misfits but he sure loves and cares for his creatures, and boy are they strange creatures just like him!
I particularly liked the twist in the tale towards the end of the novel, I won’t go into details, for fear of spoiling it for you. Oh, and I loved the title, Swamp Ghosts!
My rating:
4 stars.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a murder mystery, and readers who enjoy romance.
Having said that, Maggie and Gunnar fall in love very quickly. This seems somewhat at odds with Maggie’s inability to trust. Personally I would have liked to see the love interest develop a little more slowly. Though Marcia does a great job depicting Maggie and Gunnar’s enthusiasm for each other in the bedroom department! Wonderfully sensual, without being overtly erotic.
Swamp Ghosts is an absorbing, and at times disturbing read. There is an underlying sense of uncertainty that threads throughout the novel, twisting and turning like the St. John’s River itself. Is Maggie safe with this stranger, even if he looks like a Viking, in a canoe down the St. John’s river? Will Maggie ever be able trust anyone ever again, after all that has happened to her in her past? Will Maggie lay her soul bare to Gunn? Will Gunn be able to cope with Maggie’s insecurities? Will they find what they are looking for? Or will they find something so disturbing that they wished they had never gone? This list could just go on and on ……………
Temptation lurks at every corner, and both the innocent and the guilty can’t help but give into their differing temptations. Maggie is tempted by Gunn’s perfection. He has the physique of a Viking. Yet he never works out, he is naturally a hunk! The killer kills once and he gives into temptation to kill again.
This is not a novel that concentrates on a single point of view. Instead we see into the minds of several of the protagonists that are central to the plot.
Lester is chillingly portrayed in short punchy chapters, and believe me this works well. This weird guy who lives with a whole host of albino reptiles has many facets to his personality. He may be one of society’s misfits but he sure loves and cares for his creatures, and boy are they strange creatures just like him!
I particularly liked the twist in the tale towards the end of the novel, I won’t go into details, for fear of spoiling it for you. Oh, and I loved the title, Swamp Ghosts!
My rating:
4 stars.
Overall, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a murder mystery, and readers who enjoy romance.
May 5, 2014
Disclaimer: I edited this book, so I will strive for impartiality, but not necessarily achieve it.
Boat captain Maggie Devlin is a bit of a loner—independent, temperamental, and stubborn. Though she’s cheerful on her boat tours on the St. Johns River, where she takes tourists out into the swamps of central Florida, showing them the rich plants and varied wildlife that lives in or near the water. She loves the peace and beauty of the river, but beauty doesn’t pay her bills.
Which is why she even contemplates saying yes when photographer Gunnar “Gunn” Wolfe asks her to take him to remote—and photographic—areas. Though Gunn is popular with women, and charming and sincere to all, Maggie prefers to be by herself—and she doesn’t trust strangers easily. Determined to wear down her defenses, Gunn does his best to get to know the prickly Maggie when she finally agrees to guide him.
Life isn’t moving smoothly for either of them, however, when they discover something terrible hidden in the swamps. When a dangerous secret like this is brought to light, the consequences can be far reaching—for the whole town of Riverbend, but especially Maggie and Gunn.
The scenery is described in lush detail, so you can almost smell the cool damp air, hear the birds singing as they flit through the trees, and see the bright flowers blooming along the banks of the shallow, leaf-stained waters. But the book doesn’t rely on the gorgeous description, populated as it is with realistic, flawed, interesting, and complex characters, not cardboard stereotypes, action that sweeps you up and has you turning pages waiting tensely for the solution, and unexpected moments of humor. A classic whodunit with romance for good measure, this story will leave you guessing at each twist—prepare to be surprised as all the clues fall into place.
Recommended for fans of sweet, tender romances, beautiful nature settings, and clever mystery plots—but not for people who run screaming from the mere mention of snakes or other reptiles. After all, you never know what’s lurking in that dark river water!
Boat captain Maggie Devlin is a bit of a loner—independent, temperamental, and stubborn. Though she’s cheerful on her boat tours on the St. Johns River, where she takes tourists out into the swamps of central Florida, showing them the rich plants and varied wildlife that lives in or near the water. She loves the peace and beauty of the river, but beauty doesn’t pay her bills.
Which is why she even contemplates saying yes when photographer Gunnar “Gunn” Wolfe asks her to take him to remote—and photographic—areas. Though Gunn is popular with women, and charming and sincere to all, Maggie prefers to be by herself—and she doesn’t trust strangers easily. Determined to wear down her defenses, Gunn does his best to get to know the prickly Maggie when she finally agrees to guide him.
Life isn’t moving smoothly for either of them, however, when they discover something terrible hidden in the swamps. When a dangerous secret like this is brought to light, the consequences can be far reaching—for the whole town of Riverbend, but especially Maggie and Gunn.
The scenery is described in lush detail, so you can almost smell the cool damp air, hear the birds singing as they flit through the trees, and see the bright flowers blooming along the banks of the shallow, leaf-stained waters. But the book doesn’t rely on the gorgeous description, populated as it is with realistic, flawed, interesting, and complex characters, not cardboard stereotypes, action that sweeps you up and has you turning pages waiting tensely for the solution, and unexpected moments of humor. A classic whodunit with romance for good measure, this story will leave you guessing at each twist—prepare to be surprised as all the clues fall into place.
Recommended for fans of sweet, tender romances, beautiful nature settings, and clever mystery plots—but not for people who run screaming from the mere mention of snakes or other reptiles. After all, you never know what’s lurking in that dark river water!
January 28, 2016
There’s nothing quite like reading a book that successfully blends genres, and this one does it extremely well. I’m not sure if you’d class it as a ‘romantic murder mystery’, or a ‘murder mystery with romance’, but hey, you get the picture.
Maggie Devlin is a strong woman, running her own river boat tour business with confidence and a genuine desire to give her clients the best possible eco experience on the St Johns River in Central Florida. When the over-large and impossibly good-looking man with more than a passing resemblance to the Viking god Thor makes his uneasy way down the pier to her boat, she takes immediate affront at his opening words, and has to clamp a firm control on her desire to tell him to get lost when he outlines his lucrative business proposition. Unfortunately, Maggie needs the money.
Swamp Ghosts was a real treat to read; characters with depth and convincing backgrounds, relationships that unfurled in a beautiful and believable manner, fabulous setting, delightful dialogue, humour, animals, and great writing throughout. The serial killer thread develops naturally out of the romantic story, and the author skilfully weaves in more than one plausible red herring to keep you guessing.
Like Maggie, I don’t always have great trust in men, and like her, I was shocked as hell when I discovered the identity of the killer – very well done, Mrs Meara!
The other aspect of this book that added enjoyment for me, was learning more about the wildlife of the area, and in particular the reptiles. In my youth, I used to keep a variety of snakes, and once in a while I might just forget to warn a visitor that if they used the bathroom, they would be sharing it with a 6 foot python having her weekly swim in the bath. Go read the book, then you’ll understand why that resonated with me...
I have only one reservation about this story – I find it hard to believe that men like Gunn really exist. I am, however, willing to be proven wrong...
Maggie Devlin is a strong woman, running her own river boat tour business with confidence and a genuine desire to give her clients the best possible eco experience on the St Johns River in Central Florida. When the over-large and impossibly good-looking man with more than a passing resemblance to the Viking god Thor makes his uneasy way down the pier to her boat, she takes immediate affront at his opening words, and has to clamp a firm control on her desire to tell him to get lost when he outlines his lucrative business proposition. Unfortunately, Maggie needs the money.
Swamp Ghosts was a real treat to read; characters with depth and convincing backgrounds, relationships that unfurled in a beautiful and believable manner, fabulous setting, delightful dialogue, humour, animals, and great writing throughout. The serial killer thread develops naturally out of the romantic story, and the author skilfully weaves in more than one plausible red herring to keep you guessing.
Like Maggie, I don’t always have great trust in men, and like her, I was shocked as hell when I discovered the identity of the killer – very well done, Mrs Meara!
The other aspect of this book that added enjoyment for me, was learning more about the wildlife of the area, and in particular the reptiles. In my youth, I used to keep a variety of snakes, and once in a while I might just forget to warn a visitor that if they used the bathroom, they would be sharing it with a 6 foot python having her weekly swim in the bath. Go read the book, then you’ll understand why that resonated with me...
I have only one reservation about this story – I find it hard to believe that men like Gunn really exist. I am, however, willing to be proven wrong...
October 10, 2014
Well written and edited with just a few issues, mostly missing words. This is a stand-alone book with no cliffhanger, although the stage is set for a follow-up about two supporting characters.
This book features a strong-willed, smart, self-sufficient woman who owns her own business, lives alone and is satisfied with her friends and pet. I appreciated the tone of the story right from the beginning, because most divorced women from bad marriages aren't running right out in their sexiest clothes to snag a man. They spend a lot of time rebuilding their lives and their personal energy -- which is just what this character does.
I also appreciated the lead male character who has never found a reason to settle down because he's everyone's friend and having a good time just hanging out. Until that changes. His friends start settling down, he meets an interesting woman who's unique and not trying to be his friend at all.
Although this is a mystery/suspense story, at the core, this story is a really lovely romance about two admirable and likeable people. As a bonus, they are surrounded by interesting people and they have interesting jobs. Throw in the Florida wildlife, serial killer, and an albino who collects albinos, and I was hooked.
The suspense is very well done and builds in a slow, creepy way. The romance is sweet -- there are a couple of scenes with heat, but they're brief and not very spicy.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to a follow-up story about the best friends. I highly recommend this to fans of Romantic Suspense and/or Florida.
This book features a strong-willed, smart, self-sufficient woman who owns her own business, lives alone and is satisfied with her friends and pet. I appreciated the tone of the story right from the beginning, because most divorced women from bad marriages aren't running right out in their sexiest clothes to snag a man. They spend a lot of time rebuilding their lives and their personal energy -- which is just what this character does.
I also appreciated the lead male character who has never found a reason to settle down because he's everyone's friend and having a good time just hanging out. Until that changes. His friends start settling down, he meets an interesting woman who's unique and not trying to be his friend at all.
Although this is a mystery/suspense story, at the core, this story is a really lovely romance about two admirable and likeable people. As a bonus, they are surrounded by interesting people and they have interesting jobs. Throw in the Florida wildlife, serial killer, and an albino who collects albinos, and I was hooked.
The suspense is very well done and builds in a slow, creepy way. The romance is sweet -- there are a couple of scenes with heat, but they're brief and not very spicy.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to a follow-up story about the best friends. I highly recommend this to fans of Romantic Suspense and/or Florida.
April 9, 2015
Swamp Ghosts is a romance wrapped inside of a suspense thriller. Marriage-scarred, divorced EcoTour riverboat captain Maggie Devlin meets Gunnar Wolfe, wild life photographer. Despite Maggie’s fears, they fall in love. Unfortunately, their plans to locate and photograph a rare ivory-billed woodpecker go awry when a serial killer enters the picture.
The story is set in a fictional backwoods town along the St. Johns River in central Florida, which was a wise choice. It’s unusual and captivating. The descriptions are perfect. Never too lengthy or meandering, but long enough to feel the scratch of a scrub oak and to smell the sultry swampland.
The backwater town is also captured perfectly with characters like Maggie’s new-age friend, Willow, and diffident school janitor, Lester, who has a penchant for unusual pets.
The writing employs an interesting technique. It shifts from first person P.O.V. in Maggie dominated chapters to third person P.O.V. in chapters where other characters are prevalent.
What makes Swamp Ghosts so alluring is the skill in which the different elements are woven together. Like a well-guided tour along the St. Johns River, the traveler is compelled to keep his or hers eyes open—and reading—to discover what surprises lie around the next bend.
The story is set in a fictional backwoods town along the St. Johns River in central Florida, which was a wise choice. It’s unusual and captivating. The descriptions are perfect. Never too lengthy or meandering, but long enough to feel the scratch of a scrub oak and to smell the sultry swampland.
The backwater town is also captured perfectly with characters like Maggie’s new-age friend, Willow, and diffident school janitor, Lester, who has a penchant for unusual pets.
The writing employs an interesting technique. It shifts from first person P.O.V. in Maggie dominated chapters to third person P.O.V. in chapters where other characters are prevalent.
What makes Swamp Ghosts so alluring is the skill in which the different elements are woven together. Like a well-guided tour along the St. Johns River, the traveler is compelled to keep his or hers eyes open—and reading—to discover what surprises lie around the next bend.
May 13, 2014
A beguiling tale of love and murder on the St. John's River May 8, 2014
Like her first book, Wake Robin Ridge, Swamp Ghosts is a well-written love story, mixed with suspense. Marcia Meara has a way with words. That’s true whether she’s introducing her characters, describing the lovely setting in which the love story unfolds, or plotting mayhem. Languid descriptions of Meara’s gorgeous protagonist, Maggie Devlin, and her hunky paramour, Gunnar Wolfe, stand in stark contrast to the malevolent forces aligning against them. The St. John’s River in Central Florida is a backdrop that mirrors that contrast. It is beguiling and inviting, on the one hand, mysterious and portentous on the other. A lot like the murky waters of new love. More dangers lurk in those waters for Maggie and Gunn than they could ever have imagined. Marcia Meara has imagined them frighteningly well. Will Maggie and Gunn find love and can they make it work? Will they prevail against the darkness that threatens to come between them? You’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out.
Like her first book, Wake Robin Ridge, Swamp Ghosts is a well-written love story, mixed with suspense. Marcia Meara has a way with words. That’s true whether she’s introducing her characters, describing the lovely setting in which the love story unfolds, or plotting mayhem. Languid descriptions of Meara’s gorgeous protagonist, Maggie Devlin, and her hunky paramour, Gunnar Wolfe, stand in stark contrast to the malevolent forces aligning against them. The St. John’s River in Central Florida is a backdrop that mirrors that contrast. It is beguiling and inviting, on the one hand, mysterious and portentous on the other. A lot like the murky waters of new love. More dangers lurk in those waters for Maggie and Gunn than they could ever have imagined. Marcia Meara has imagined them frighteningly well. Will Maggie and Gunn find love and can they make it work? Will they prevail against the darkness that threatens to come between them? You’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out.
May 5, 2014
Swamp Ghosts is a perfect blend of romantic suspense and Florida ecology. I'll start with the latter, because that's really my favorite part of the book. Our heroine is an ecotour guide, and the author's experiences in the swamps of Florida really bring that setting to life, from river birds to reptiles.
Plus, the ecology works perfectly with the storyline. From the opening scene, where a serial killer is using an alligator to dispose of the body, Marcia seamlessly intertwines plot and setting. My favorite example is the way the hero and heroine stumble across something they shouldn't because they're hunting deep in the swamp for an Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
I don't want to write much about the storyline itself, except to say that at least one twist is likely to startle you the way it shocked me. If you enjoy J.D. Robb or Nevada Barr, chances are Swamp Ghost will be just your cup of tea.
Plus, the ecology works perfectly with the storyline. From the opening scene, where a serial killer is using an alligator to dispose of the body, Marcia seamlessly intertwines plot and setting. My favorite example is the way the hero and heroine stumble across something they shouldn't because they're hunting deep in the swamp for an Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
I don't want to write much about the storyline itself, except to say that at least one twist is likely to startle you the way it shocked me. If you enjoy J.D. Robb or Nevada Barr, chances are Swamp Ghost will be just your cup of tea.
October 30, 2014
Swamp Ghosts gripped me from the opening scene and held me until the very end. The writing is fantastic; the story one that is both original and entertaining in equal measure.
The book's first major draw for me was Maggie, the charismatic and instantly likable protagonist who was very skilfully realised. The second highlight was the phenomenal attention to detail when it came to describing the wonderful, vibrant setting and all its natural inhabitants - Meara's love for nature and knowledge of the area shine in abundance from her words.
All in all, this is a book full of tension, intrigue, action and romance that I am glad I read, and an author whose other work I'm excited to explore.
The book's first major draw for me was Maggie, the charismatic and instantly likable protagonist who was very skilfully realised. The second highlight was the phenomenal attention to detail when it came to describing the wonderful, vibrant setting and all its natural inhabitants - Meara's love for nature and knowledge of the area shine in abundance from her words.
All in all, this is a book full of tension, intrigue, action and romance that I am glad I read, and an author whose other work I'm excited to explore.
July 31, 2014
Maggie lives in Florida and gives tours along the river with her helper, Billy. When Gunnar(Gunn) comes to her wanting a tour so he can get pictures she is amazed by the man who looks like he could play Thor. As the two get to know each other better they are on the river when Maggie finds a skull floating alongside them. That's when every thing goes topsy turvy and the story really gets interesting. It is discovered that more than one person has been killed and the hunt for a serial killer begins. This is a really interesting book that couples romance, mystery and suspense into a well written and great to read novel.
July 14, 2014
Swamp Ghost is not my normal reading material, but I needed this book to get me out of the apocalyptic EMP books I have been reading (7 in a row). I was living that life in my mind too much and it was dragging me down. See my reading list!). Swamp Ghost's setting is near the St. Johns river in Florida--the very same river setting in the last EMP novel that I read.
Swamp Ghost is a romance, serial killer novel with a twist. While reading this book, I wondered about one of the characters long before the twist hits.
I did enjoy this book and recommend it to the romance/mystery readers.
Swamp Ghost is a romance, serial killer novel with a twist. While reading this book, I wondered about one of the characters long before the twist hits.
I did enjoy this book and recommend it to the romance/mystery readers.
May 20, 2014
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It has the right amount of romance and suspense mixed together. Maggie is a lonely person until her sexy Viking walked into her life and turns her world around. While they are out on a canoe trip they find the bones of a dead body. That changes everything. Its puts them in the path of a serial killer. I will not tell you anymore so I don't give the book way . you will really enjoy it if you read it.
October 5, 2014
It seems like such a harmless book in the beginning. Thinking about a swamp tour actually made me think of the ride in Disney World. The idea may be similar, but no one gets hurt on the Disney ride. Technically, no one got hurt on this ride either, but people definitely got hurt elsewhere. I fell for the red herring, hook, line, and sinker. What a great mystery! I look forward to reading more of Ms. Meara's books.
April 12, 2015
Swamp Ghosts is well-written blend of horror, mystery and romance. It's a suspenseful page turner that had me reading well into the night. While scary and compelling in parts, the romance and adventure balanced the story out nicely. Well done!
July 12, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed!! Must Read!! The perfect mix of romance and suspense. Highly recommend – it’s a great read.
February 5, 2015
Full review here: https://achaosfairyrealm.wordpress.co...
August 30, 2019
4.5 stars
I loved this book and read it in one sitting. The author obviously knows and loves Florida and its wildlife, and she portrays all of that wonderfully in Swamp Ghosts, the first book in the Riverbend series.
The main character is Maggie Devlin, who is one tough cookie. After a violent and abusive marraige, she vows off men, but then--8 years later--a 'big, dumb Viking' shows up, and everything's up for grabs. All of the cast play a role and all are three-dimensional and well developed.
While I sussed out who the killer was fairly early on, it didn't spoil the read for me. If anything, it enhanced it, as I could see how much danger the other characters were in around this monster in their midst.
The only thing that let this read down for me was the end. The main denouement came far too early, and I felt that the final chapters were drawn out, and I grew impatient with it. Even though the book is listed as Romance/Suspense, I felt that the gripping resolution could have been closer to the close of the tale. Hence the loss of the half a star. Otherwise, this book is a great read that I couldn't put down.
The book is well formatted, and the narrative pretty clean of errors. All in all, I would highly recommend this author, and I look forward to reading the next two books in the Riverbend Series. So, a solid 4.5 stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
I loved this book and read it in one sitting. The author obviously knows and loves Florida and its wildlife, and she portrays all of that wonderfully in Swamp Ghosts, the first book in the Riverbend series.
The main character is Maggie Devlin, who is one tough cookie. After a violent and abusive marraige, she vows off men, but then--8 years later--a 'big, dumb Viking' shows up, and everything's up for grabs. All of the cast play a role and all are three-dimensional and well developed.
While I sussed out who the killer was fairly early on, it didn't spoil the read for me. If anything, it enhanced it, as I could see how much danger the other characters were in around this monster in their midst.
The only thing that let this read down for me was the end. The main denouement came far too early, and I felt that the final chapters were drawn out, and I grew impatient with it. Even though the book is listed as Romance/Suspense, I felt that the gripping resolution could have been closer to the close of the tale. Hence the loss of the half a star. Otherwise, this book is a great read that I couldn't put down.
The book is well formatted, and the narrative pretty clean of errors. All in all, I would highly recommend this author, and I look forward to reading the next two books in the Riverbend Series. So, a solid 4.5 stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
February 13, 2018
I go through phases where I find a writer I've not come across before, love the first book I read and then seek out the next books in a hope to recapture that magic. Sometimes the sequels can be good but a little flat compared with the original.
Someone recommended Marcia Meara's Wake-Robin Ridge series and so I bought Book One. On the strength of that I bought the second book, which introduces a boy named Rabbit, and I was smitten! The Second and Third books eclipse the lovely original one and have left me wanting more. I've heard that there's another 'Rabbit' book in the pipeline but in the meantime I've tried the first in her Riverbend series and Swamp Ghosts doesn't disappoint either.
The book is a romantic thriller and there's plenty of sweet, tender romance and brutal, sadistic thrills.
Maggie Devlin (nursing a damaged heart and harbouring trust issues) and Gunnar Wolfe (wildlife photographer who needs her kayaking skills to explore the wetlands) navigate their way into the path of a sadistic serial thriller.
This book carries all the hallmarks of a Marcia Meara novel. She describes everything around her with an original and careful eye that brings her world to vivid life. She nurtures a heartwarming love story with delicate hands that convey love and passion without demeaning them. And she writes about the darkest sides of human nature without quelling from the horror that's caused whilst getting inside the nightmare mind of the perpetrator.
The book has an amazing twist I didn't see coming and I'll not say anything more about the plot in case I give anything away.
I'll have to buy the next in the series now...
Someone recommended Marcia Meara's Wake-Robin Ridge series and so I bought Book One. On the strength of that I bought the second book, which introduces a boy named Rabbit, and I was smitten! The Second and Third books eclipse the lovely original one and have left me wanting more. I've heard that there's another 'Rabbit' book in the pipeline but in the meantime I've tried the first in her Riverbend series and Swamp Ghosts doesn't disappoint either.
The book is a romantic thriller and there's plenty of sweet, tender romance and brutal, sadistic thrills.
Maggie Devlin (nursing a damaged heart and harbouring trust issues) and Gunnar Wolfe (wildlife photographer who needs her kayaking skills to explore the wetlands) navigate their way into the path of a sadistic serial thriller.
This book carries all the hallmarks of a Marcia Meara novel. She describes everything around her with an original and careful eye that brings her world to vivid life. She nurtures a heartwarming love story with delicate hands that convey love and passion without demeaning them. And she writes about the darkest sides of human nature without quelling from the horror that's caused whilst getting inside the nightmare mind of the perpetrator.
The book has an amazing twist I didn't see coming and I'll not say anything more about the plot in case I give anything away.
I'll have to buy the next in the series now...
June 22, 2018
Swamp Ghosts takes place in Riverbend, Florida where alligators and snakes are a regular part of Maggie Devlin’s life. She’s a single woman who runs boat tours through the river channels for tourists, and lately, paying her bills has been a challenge.
Gunnar Wolfe is a photographer who needs someone to accompany him into the backcountry, and he can pay for the service. It’s a match made in heaven except the two start off on a very bad foot! And just when everything looks like it’s going to work out fine, they discover human bones while out on an excursion. Lots of bones.
The story is primarily a romance, but parallel to the romantic elements of the plot is another more sinister story of a serial killer who eventually sets his sights on Maggie and Gunn. Things ramp up and get pretty intense when this plotline reaches a fevered pitch. And there are some fun red herrings before the big reveal.
The plot holds together well, and the action feels authentic as did the relationships among the characters. There are some intriguing personalities, and they’re fleshed out with full personalities and complex emotions. The serial killer’s transformation was a bit dramatic, but it caught the characters off guard as much as it did me.
Meara clearly knows the landscape, so the swamps are well-described and easy to picture. The book is expertly edited and a reading delight. Readers of romance will enjoy the relationship between Maggie and Gunn, as well as the thrills that rev up the plot and put their lives on the line.
Gunnar Wolfe is a photographer who needs someone to accompany him into the backcountry, and he can pay for the service. It’s a match made in heaven except the two start off on a very bad foot! And just when everything looks like it’s going to work out fine, they discover human bones while out on an excursion. Lots of bones.
The story is primarily a romance, but parallel to the romantic elements of the plot is another more sinister story of a serial killer who eventually sets his sights on Maggie and Gunn. Things ramp up and get pretty intense when this plotline reaches a fevered pitch. And there are some fun red herrings before the big reveal.
The plot holds together well, and the action feels authentic as did the relationships among the characters. There are some intriguing personalities, and they’re fleshed out with full personalities and complex emotions. The serial killer’s transformation was a bit dramatic, but it caught the characters off guard as much as it did me.
Meara clearly knows the landscape, so the swamps are well-described and easy to picture. The book is expertly edited and a reading delight. Readers of romance will enjoy the relationship between Maggie and Gunn, as well as the thrills that rev up the plot and put their lives on the line.
July 8, 2018
Swamp Ghosts by Marcia Meara is symbolic of all those ghosts that we carry within, one is carried by Maggie, and many more by people around her. The story starts with a prologue that whets reader’s interest and without naming the character, the author succeeds in building up a superb suspense, dropping hints of dark deeds going around the shallow waters of the creek. The plot of this novel is woven around Maggie Devlin, a single woman who didn’t have a good opinion about men. She couldn’t think of a single reason to date another man after she “kicked” her ex-husband out of her home. She had a small eco tour boat business but could hardly earn enough to pay her bills.
The story moves smoothly and gets a romantic hue with the entry of Gunner Wolfe, a wildlife photographer who hires Maggie to go deep into the swampy river system, canoe the backwaters, and click an ivory-billed woodpecker to earn some recognition for his work. However, to their surprise, they discover swamp ghosts, which follow them in an unbelievable manner. These ghosts add some gruesome touch to an otherwise lovable story, told in an adorable manner.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the astute style of Marcia who writes beautifully, eliminating all superfluities, focusing on the story and building up characters within the story. She wastes no word in dragging on any situation and wins the heart of the reader despite some harrowing details. She doesn’t let the feel good factor drown in the swamp. Highly recommended!
The story moves smoothly and gets a romantic hue with the entry of Gunner Wolfe, a wildlife photographer who hires Maggie to go deep into the swampy river system, canoe the backwaters, and click an ivory-billed woodpecker to earn some recognition for his work. However, to their surprise, they discover swamp ghosts, which follow them in an unbelievable manner. These ghosts add some gruesome touch to an otherwise lovable story, told in an adorable manner.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the astute style of Marcia who writes beautifully, eliminating all superfluities, focusing on the story and building up characters within the story. She wastes no word in dragging on any situation and wins the heart of the reader despite some harrowing details. She doesn’t let the feel good factor drown in the swamp. Highly recommended!
May 29, 2019
Book 1 of Swamp Ghosts is a intriguing mystery rote with monsters both on two legs and four or none at all. The story centers around the main protagonist, Maggie Devlin, owner of a tour boat who loves to be on the water and exploring. When she meets wildlife photographer, Gunnar Wolfe, a giant among men she is drawn to him in more ways than she wants to admit.
The story demonstrates the physical attraction between these two well-defined characters as the storyline begins to create suspense. A mystery evolves around a killer at large when the couple find some bones of more than one victim in the swamp.
The question is were these victims killed by an alligator or a human? The author keeps the reader guessing. All the pieces fit together eventually and leads to a shocking conclusion.
I enjoyed the characters in this book - flawed but strong, resilient, and fearless under dire circumstances. This was an intriguing beginning to this series and I look forward to the next book.
The story demonstrates the physical attraction between these two well-defined characters as the storyline begins to create suspense. A mystery evolves around a killer at large when the couple find some bones of more than one victim in the swamp.
The question is were these victims killed by an alligator or a human? The author keeps the reader guessing. All the pieces fit together eventually and leads to a shocking conclusion.
I enjoyed the characters in this book - flawed but strong, resilient, and fearless under dire circumstances. This was an intriguing beginning to this series and I look forward to the next book.
October 24, 2020
I don’t actually read romances, but was drawn to this one. The author is a nature lover, much like myself, and knowing she was placing this tale in what amounts to her back yard appealed to me. The swamps of Florida are foreign to a westerner like myself. The depictions and descriptions are wonderful.
What I found was a wonderful murder mystery that lands squarely in these same swamps. It’s intense, thrilling, and scary. I pegged the killer early on, but that didn’t detract from the story. He’s so wonderfully creepy, Meara gets this across like she lived some of it.
I walked in knowing it was a romance, and that part was well done. I admit it was the nature tours, and the murder mystery that called to me. I’m giving it five stars, because it was that wonderful.
What I found was a wonderful murder mystery that lands squarely in these same swamps. It’s intense, thrilling, and scary. I pegged the killer early on, but that didn’t detract from the story. He’s so wonderfully creepy, Meara gets this across like she lived some of it.
I walked in knowing it was a romance, and that part was well done. I admit it was the nature tours, and the murder mystery that called to me. I’m giving it five stars, because it was that wonderful.
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